Hello
Firstly I hope everyone had a great and gamble free christmas.
I'm very pleased to say I am currently 51 days GF and this week has been the first real tests I have passed.
I am self excluded from loads of online sites but my partner has control of my cards regardless. I'm also self excluded from over 30 shops. This saturday I went to watch a football match about an hour away from my home, so I am not excluded from them shops but i am so pleased to say that i passed the shops with not a single thought about going in crossing my mind. I really feel this was such a display of my willpower.
Then today (boxing day) has always been a big day for sports betting. Almost a tradition for me but because I have my strong gamble blocks in place i was unable to even attempt even a £1 bet. I'll be honest it did feel weird not watching the footy scores on boxing day without a bet but I feel so good about the gamble free lifestyle I am choosing.
Thank you all for reading but I just wanted to pass on my success story. I will still be taking one day at a time and not getting too ahead of myself as I know thia horrible disease can catch you off guard but the the first real battle has been won.
Have a great new year.
Embracing
Hi Embracing,
It's been great to read your uplifting post, and also, most importantly, the reality check you've given yourself, too.
Firstly, going 51 day gambling free is a real achievement. This proves you can handle a 'payday', assuming you're salaried, and can 'cope' with the influx of the free, available cash this brings. To make sure of this, you've handed over financial control to your partner. An excellent move, because without availability of funds it is not possible to gamble. (Of course, you're making sure there are no other ways you can get cash ... a good non-gambling strategy should have as few 'holes' in it as possible.)
Today, as you've said, has been a big test. Certain times of the year, especially Christmas, are those when we tend to take the 'foot off the pedal' but, as we know, with gambling, we can't do that. It's like rolling a snowball off the top of the mountain; one bet, becomes another and, before we know, it, we're in an avalanche of trouble. Again. Precisely the kind of thing we must avoid.
You are right to adjudge your progress thus far as a success, but it's still - we all are, in fact - a 'work in progress'. You're passing meaningful milestones, for example today, and that is to be applauded. And look at the real 'winners' here; you, your partner, and your friends and family who want you to be happy and not beholden to a destructive addiction.
In summary, you're doing great, and day by day, as you've said, you're going to keep on top of this. Keep posting; it's great to read posts like this - uplifting yet measured - and looking forward to hearing from you again in due course.
All the very best to you,
Mixer
And i dont even know if im alive
Stephen - Having read all of your recent posts, I would seriously consider taking stock and phoning Gamcare to see how it's best to proceed with the problems you're experiencing. Do also consider the Samaritans on 116 123. This is a difficult time of year, I understand, and channelling how you're feeling in this way may help you. Good luck.
Mixer, Thank you for your reply.
I appreciate the time you have taken to congratulate me on my progess.
I wish you all the best for 2018 and hope many years to come you remain gamble free.
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